UPDATE: DOGE quietly decreases savings estimate for 30 terminated FDA leases

DOGE has quietly revised its savings estimate for the termination of 30 FDA facility leases, reducing the projected savings from the initially claimed $30 million to a lower figure. Here are the key details:

Revised Savings Estimate

DOGE has decreased its savings estimate for the 30 terminated FDA leases1 2 3.
The original claim was nearly $30 million in total savings3.
The exact revised figure has not been explicitly stated in the search results.

Context and Implications

This revision follows a pattern of DOGE adjusting its savings estimates downward3.
Previously, DOGE had reduced its overall savings estimate from $16 billion to $9 billion3.

Affected Facilities

The lease terminations impact 30 FDA facilities nationwide3 4.
A key drug testing lab in St. Louis, Missouri, was initially reported to be affected3.
However, later reports indicate that the St. Louis drug testing lab will remain open despite DOGE's earlier claim6.

Concerns and Criticisms

Experts have raised concerns about the hasty implementation of these cuts3.
Former FDA Deputy Commissioner Howard Sklamberg warned about potential risks to drug safety oversight3.
Critics note that DOGE has removed or altered thousands of federal contracts from its website3.

Broader Context

These lease terminations are part of DOGE's larger effort to reduce federal government spending1 3.
The agency claims its total estimated savings are $65 billion, which includes various cost-cutting measures1.
DOGE's actions have affected multiple health agencies, including the CDC, CMS, and HHS3.

This revision in the savings estimate highlights the ongoing scrutiny of DOGE's cost-cutting measures and the potential discrepancies between initial claims and actual outcomes.

Sources:

1. https://doge.gov/savings

2. https://www.fiercebiotech.com/biotech/nih-still-terminating-research-grants-defying-federal-orders-boston-globe

3. https://xrphmagazine.ai/doge-cancels-fda-facility-leases-claims-us-30m-in-savings/

4. https://www.raps.org/news-and-articles/news-articles/2025/3/doge-claims-$30m-savings-from-canceling-30-fda-lea

6. https://www.raps.org/news-and-articles/news-articles/2025/3/fda-s-st-louis-drug-testing-lab-to-remain-open-des